The investigations into the highly publicized alleged domestic violence incident involving Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, have recently progressed. Amid the legal battle, production of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was put on hold. However, now, media outlets are reporting that filming has resumed.
Production of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives resumes; involvement of Taylor Frankie Paul uncertain
Production for Season 5 of the popular show has resumed, with reports indicating that Taylor Frankie Paul or Dakota Mortensen will not feature in the upcoming edition. The Draper City Police Department was investigating domestic violence incidents that occurred on Feb. 22 and 23, in which both parties made allegations of abuse against each other. Prosecutors have declined to file new charges in the most recent development against Paul, citing “insufficient corroborating evidence.” This effectively means no criminal case is moving forward from that specific investigation.
However, this isn’t the first time that Paul has been involved in an incident of assault. In February 2023, footage released by TMZ this year showed Paul allegedly hurling metal barstools in Mortensen’s direction as one of her children, nearby, was heard crying. After the incident, Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault later that year and remains on probation until August.
Earlier this year, Taylor Frankie Paul filed a restraining order against Mortensen, claiming he had committed physical violence, along with providing photographic evidence of bruises on her body. She further alleged that her ex-boyfriend was harassing her by posting an image of her initials tattooed on the inside of his lip.
However, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives wasn’t the only show affected, as The Walt Disney Company scrapped the new season of The Bachelorette following the TMZ video leak of the 2023 domestic violence incident, where Paul was set to play the lead. “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” Disney said in a statement.
Meanwhile, following Paul’s restraining order, her spokesperson said in a statement, “There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
Paul rose to prominence after appearing in Season 4 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Her growing popularity from the show later earned her the lead role in Season 22 of The Bachelorette, which has already completed post-production but will not be released due to the ongoing legal battle.
